The church of Christ on McDermott Road

Scripture: James 1:19-27

When Paul wrote the book of Philippians, he was in prison. To help him in during this difficult time, the Christians in Philippi sent him a gift. He thanked them for the gift, but also used the opportunity to explain that he had “learned in whatever situation…to be content.” If Paul was starving in a lonely prison cell, he was content. If Paul was eating a bountiful meal in the home of dear friends, he was content. Paul can teach us this “secret” for being content in every situation, because the same Christ who gave him strength, gives us strength as well. (Scripture: Philippians 4:10-13)

Paul was plagued with many hardships, including what he called, “a thorn…in the flesh.” There is much debate about what this “thorn” was. Whatever it was, Paul desperately pleaded for its removal. In spite of his prayers, the “thorn” persisted. However, Paul gained something even greater than relief from his pain, contentment. Paul’s struggle can help us find contentment when we are struggling with difficult circumstances. From his struggle, we can learn that the grace of Jesus is sufficient for us as well. (Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

When humanity ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, they were immediately filled with shame and regret. When God appeared, his judgement was swift and difficult to bear. Humanity was exiled from Eden, cut off from the tree of life and the presence of God. But even in his judgement, there was mercy and hope. What does humanity’s exile from Eden teach us about sin? about God’s judgement? about redemption? about humanity’s future return to Eden? (Scripture: Genesis 3:22-24)

When Adam and Eve ate the "forbidden fruit" it affected more than their relationship with God. Their sin affected their relationship with one another as well. Their once harmonious and loving union became filled with shame, blame, and competing interests. Those relationship problems have been passed down not only to married couples but to every human relationship. All of our relationships have has been corrupted by the sin of our flesh. Thankfully, Jesus is working, in the Spirit, to restore the unity and harmony we had in Eden. (Scripture: Genesis 3:8-13)

There was a “crafty” and deceitful creature in Eden, the serpent. The serpent tempted Eve to eat “the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” He directly contradicted God, saying Eve would not die by eating the fruit, but would become “like God, knowing good and evil.” What does this story teach us about temptation? about sin? about lies? about our deceitful adversary? (Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7)

Encouraging personal evangelism through teaching the gospel within the context of an authentic relationship Personal evangelism, formal missions work, and spiritual acts of service in local, regional, and global contexts as appropriate Balancing our dedication to continually restoring our congregational practices according to New Testament commands and patterns while maintaining a gracious and loving attitude toward all believers

The first thing that was “not good” in Eden was humanity’s loneliness. But God graciously made “a helper fit for him.” After God divided humanity into two parts, male and female, he reunited them and made them “one flesh.” What does this account teach us about relationships? about gender? about marriage? about family? (Scripture: Genesis 2:18-25)

Plurality of appointed male elders, each performing all three governing functions (elder, pastor, overseer) with appointed male deacons and evangelists Active support of Biblical male spiritual servant leadership in our church and homes through consistent, visible example, teaching, development, and communication